Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft is launching a handheld gaming device called ‘Project Kennan’ that focuses on standard PC gaming rather than specifically Xbox titles.
2. An updated Xbox user interface may include a shortcut for Steam games and a filter for sorting playable games by various categories.
3. The new design is being rolled out on Xbox Series S/X and other compatible devices, suggesting a broader ecosystem for Xbox users.
4. Microsoft plans to enhance the Xbox app to serve as a launcher for games from Steam and other platforms like Epic Games Store, but Xbox titles won’t be playable on other systems.
5. The handheld device is expected to stream Xbox games, similar to the PlayStation Portal, which is priced at $199.99.
Microsoft is said to be bridging the gap between Xbox and PC later this year with its debut handheld gaming device. As mentioned before, ‘Project Kennan’ is set to be a standard PC gaming handheld, not specifically designed to run Xbox titles. However, an image shared by Microsoft in a blog post has stirred up thoughts that there may be more in store.
Possible New Features
The image in question seems to show an updated Xbox user interface that includes a shortcut for Steam games. Additionally, there’s a filter labeled ‘show playable games,’ which allows users to sort games by those that are recently added, installed, owned, or available on Game Pass. From what we gather, Microsoft has rolled out this design not only on the Xbox Series S and Series X but also on devices like the ROG Ally and others that work with the Xbox app. It’s likely that the tablet and smartphone depicted are meant to be companions to Xbox or Windows, rather than devices for installing Xbox or Steam games.
Exciting Developments Ahead
To add to the intrigue, Microsoft swiftly swapped the original image with a new one that we’ve included above. The Verge reports that the Steam icon was not a mistake. Allegedly, Microsoft is planning to enhance the Xbox app to act as a launcher for games from Steam and other platforms, such as the Epic Games Store. Importantly, the image does not imply that Xbox titles will be playable on other systems. Instead, Microsoft’s first handheld gaming device is anticipated to stream Xbox games, similar to the PlayStation Portal, which is currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon.
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